SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. (Nov. 30, 2007) - Negotiations between four UFCW Union’s in Northern California and Safeway Inc. are continuing around the clock.

The current contract, which affects 25,000 UFCW members at some 300 stores, expires on Dec. 1. If a settlement is not reached by midnight tonight, members will begin voting to authorize a strike as early as Saturday in meetings through Monday evening. A strike could start any time after that.

Negotiators report some progress in the talks, but the sides are still far apart on economics.

Last month, the unions agreed to a new four-year contract with Save Mart (Lucky in the Bay Area), Raley's and Bel Air Markets.

That concession-free agreement included the largest across-the-board wage increase in the history of Northern California grocery industry contracts. It also improved medical benefits and reduces or eliminates medical deductibles. As before, the UFCW members will not be required to pay premiums for health care.

The four Union locals are negotiating under the banner of UFCW Solidarity, representing workers from Fresno to the Oregon border and from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe.

The pact includes the largest across-the-board wage increase in the history of Northern California grocery industry contracts. It also improves medical benefits and reduces or eliminates medical deductibles. As before, the UFCW members will not be required to pay premiums for health care.

The contract also establishes a single benefit fund, allowing for more effective administration of benefits and providing more leverage in obtaining value for the members from service providers.

The four presidents predicted that the agreement would be a model for future labor agreements in North America. “It implements many innovative and progressive ideas,” they said. “It is a ‘win-win’ for Union members and for the companies.”

The concession-free agreement bucks the trend of wage-freezes and benefit cutbacks that have characterized labor contracts across the nation in recent years.

The four UFCW Unions bargained collectively under the banner of UFCW Solidarity for these contracts that cover some 25,000 members in nearly 300 supermarkets throughout Northern California.Negotiations with Safeway Inc. are ongoing.

Preparations are under way for ratification of the proposed new contract with Lucky, Save Mart, Raley’s and Bel Air Markets.

Negotiations continue with Safeway and much work needs to be done. It is our expectation that the company will ultimately agree that, as in the past, contracts covering all Northern California UFCW employers should provide a common level of wages and benefits for all of our members and a level playing field for all of the companies. Safeway has always insisted on this approach and this bargaining cycle should not be an exception.

While we’ve made progress in important areas, other equally important issues remain to be resolved. Our Union negotiators are offering numerous innovative solutions to address the many concerns on the table.

Safeway members must make it clear that they are willing to fight for the wages, benefits, contract language and job protections they deserve. That is the most effective way to let them know that we will do whatever it takes to get a fair and equitable contract.

Look for further updates in the coming days and weeks. Stay informed and get involved!Together we will prove, as we always have, that Solidarity Works!In Solidarity,

"Now our members who speak Spanish can have the same access to the UFCW 8 website that our English speaking members have," Loveall said.

"The Union believes it is important to communicate with its members and the public so that they can become better aware of the Union’s benefits, and programs."

The website includes information about member benefits, office locations, phone numbers, Union organizing activities and nationwide efforts to change Wal-Mart’s anti-worker policies. It also includes links to press releases and UFCW 8’s award-winning Voice of Action magazine."

Our Union uses progressive and innovative methods to communicate with our members and the public," Loveall said. "This is only the latest example of that commitment."

Some 30,000 UFCW 8-Golden State members work in stores, plants and offices from the California-Oregon border in the north to Fresno County in the south. The Union’s English-language website is http://www.ufcw8.org/.